Engraved Blackpowder Colt “Sheriff's Model"

[bill-in-texas]

I've been "talking sixguns," both Colt and otherwise, with the elderly owner of the best-known gun store in Central Texas, for a few years, and more lately since I bought the Great Western Arms seen in this thread:

Let's Have a Great Western Arms Thread!...I'll Start

Recently, I stepped into his office and we picked up where we left off, mostly discussing old Colts.

Midway through a sentence, he stopped and said,
"You know, I've got this old Colt here I'll let you have for" [low $ number goes here]. He opened up his desk drawer and produced the only 1st Gen ejectorless and/or engraved examples I've ever seen.

Unfortunately, I didn't have that low number on me then, but in 2 short days, I returned to buy it, cash in hand.

So, here's my 1892 ejectorless Colt Model of 1873.
Yes, it has been well utilized. But, the price was right.
I hope you enjoy it, wrong grips, replaced front sight blade, worn down finish, and all!

-Bill









*PS: Yes, I'll letter this one.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

That's deserving of a Colt Archives letter to verify its provenance. It could really add to the gun's value if it checks out. It's possible it went to a very interesting location when new.

 

[Heinz]

Nice! The grips are perfect for it. I doubt it spend its life in a drawer.

 

[bill-in-texas]

That's deserving of a Colt Archives letter to verify its provenance. It could really add to the gun's value if it checks out. It's possible it went to a very interesting location when new.

Agreed!
-Bill

 

[lestert357]

I understand that the grips may be a couple years early for the gun, but unless those grips are numbered to a different gun, or they do not fit well, I wouldn't be so sure that they aren't original to the gun. Regardless, they look great on the gun and that is an outstanding addition to your collection! Color me very envious!

 

[bill-in-texas]

…that is an outstanding addition to your collection! Color me very envious!

Thank you, Terry.
I count that as high praise from someone with such outstanding Colts, himself.
I always enjoy seeing what you have to share with the rest of us!
-Bill

 

[bill-in-texas]

Holy smokes!
I think I have truly scored on this one…
I just got off the phone with "Joe" at the Colt Archives Service (actually, he called me back after I ended my initial call to him in which I had given him the serial number).
He told me this gun is a very important gun, that it shipped (to Texas) with a 3 3/4" bbl. with a "silver half-moon" front sight. And yes, it is one of the few (40?) 1st Gen factory-engraved ejector-less SAAs.
Also, it originally had "checker'd ivory grips," now long-gone, unfortunately.

Once the letter comes in, I'll happily share what I learn.

-Bill

Per Colt Archivist, Joe:
Shipped with "Silver Half-Moon" Front Sight on 3 3/4" bbl.

 

[muddocktor]

Yeah, you look like you got a good one there man!

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

I understand that the grips may be a couple years early for the gun, but unless those grips are numbered to a different gun, or they do not fit well, I wouldn't be so sure that they aren't original to the gun. Regardless, they look great on the gun and that is an outstanding addition to your collection! Color me very envious!

Colt never threw anything away...it was kept until used for the most part. It's not all unusual for a part to sit around unused to be found and used in later production.

 

[2152hq]

GreatFind!.
There's one that I would consider a good candidate for a total professional Restoration. Not just a refinish.
Plenty of before & after photos to go along with the process.

The configuration is orig and confirmed by the factory.

There is enough of the orig engraving there to bring it back. Lots to work with.
The only speculative part would be the checkering pattern used on the Factory Ivory grips. But unless something special, Colt had a standard pattern for that as well.

I hate to see such a classic and rarity sit in it's buffed and hot blued condition. But I know others likely feel otherwise..
If it had only 5% orig finish and rest was nothing but bare worn, brown pitted, UNTOUCHED metal...I'd leave it completely alone.

 

[Ethang]

Boy would that be a Daisy if you could find original Ivory grips for it...

 

[dobegrant]

Congratulations on a truly unique piece of history.

 

[bill-in-texas]

Thanks, all.
By the way, I welcome all opinions on restoration.

In the meantime, I'm eagerly awaiting the Colt Archives Service letter.
-Bill

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

If it proves to be original I wouldn't restore it. If it's not original...it probably matters little.

 

[Onomea]

Re opinions on restoration — since 2152hq says it's been buffed and hot blued, and he is probably the most knowledgable member we have about stuff like this, I am confident it has been — Turnbull. Nobody better as far as I know.

(Then again, I'd also ask 2152hq for his advice on this.)

 

[A10]

JMHO, i wouldn't touch a hair on it's shiney little head. Every bit of wear, buffing, and bluing are legitimate history of this fine firearm. Looks like it was well used, polished, spiffied up, and used some more.

It would be fun to have a detailed history of the gun.

 

[LostintheOzone]

If it proves to be original I wouldn't restore it. If it's not original...it probably matters little.

What do you mean by original?

I've seen the term used often but IDK what it means. Is that original condition, parts and finish?

Not many of those old timers make it to the 21st century without modification.

 

[bill-in-texas]

That's deserving of a Colt Archives letter to verify its provenance. It could really add to the gun's value if it checks out. It's possible it went to a very interesting location when new.

The letter from Colt Archives Services, LLC came in.

-Bill



Edited: Colt Archives Services resent letter to replace first letter that USPS had carelessly creased through their mishandling of document.

 

[SS336]

JMHO, i wouldn't touch a hair on it's shiney little head. Every bit of wear, buffing, and bluing are legitimate history of this fine firearm. Looks like it was well used, polished, spiffied up, and used some more.

It would be fun to have a detailed history of the gun.

I agree with A10. It is in itself, original.
If restored it will be just that. A Colt SSA that has been restored and no longer has the history that it accumulated over the years.
It would be beautiful….but, not the same SAA it was when you acquired it.

 

[bill-in-texas]

I agree with A10. It is in itself, original.
If restored it will be just that. A Colt SSA that has been restored and no longer has the history that it accumulated over the years.
It would be beautiful….but, not the same SAA it was when you acquired it.

Definitely, my opinion, too.

I learned (on the Colt forum) that mine is the only known Colt SAA ordered with a 3 3/4" barrel, and being an already rare factory-engraved ejectorless model doesn't hurt.
So, as it is, it will remain.
(However, if I come across period-correct checkered ivory stocks...)